Communication & Social Skills

Helping children express themselves and participate in shared activities.

What this support involves

Communication is part of asking for help, sharing an interest, saying no, and connecting with other people. Support begins by understanding how the individual already communicates and the situations in which they would like more choice or independence.

Services, suitability, delivery settings, and appointment arrangements are discussed directly before support is agreed. We welcome questions about the approach and the information needed to take the next step.

Discuss this service
Children sharing a wooden-block activity.

How we approach support

Recognizing existing communication

Words, gestures, signs, pictures, and communication devices can all be part of a person’s communication. We discuss the methods the individual uses, the people who understand them, and the situations where messages may be missed. Communication support should build on that starting point.

Making interaction relevant

Shared play, family routines, and enjoyable activities provide a context for discussing communication and social participation. Goals might involve asking to join an activity, expressing a preference, or letting someone know that a break is needed. Social goals should respect the person’s interests and comfort.

Working with the people around the child

Caregivers and educators can describe what communication looks like in different settings. Where other professionals are involved, coordination can help clarify roles and keep goals understandable. Questions about speech, language, or a communication system may also need input from a speech-language pathologist.

Examples to discuss

These examples describe possible areas of focus. They are not a recommendation or a treatment plan for any particular child. Individual goals follow discussion and assessment.

  • Expressing a choice between familiar activities
  • Asking for help or a pause
  • Taking part in a shared activity that the child enjoys

Ask about services or request an appointment

Contact Meaningful Pathways to discuss the support you are looking for, check service availability, and ask what information is needed before an appointment can be arranged.

Request an appointment
Children building with wooden blocks together.